So what is the D-League?

VIDEO: Sean Greene speaks with D-League President Dan Reed.

Delaware's newest professional basketball team will play in the National Basketball Association Development League, but what exactly is the D-League?

The League formed in 2001 with the intent of creating a minor league system similar to what Major League Baseball franchises do with teams like the Wilmington Blue Rocks for the Kansas City Royals.

Are there any local teams to Delaware in the D-League?

At this point the closest teams are in Erie, Pennsylvania and Springfield, Massachusetts, but D-League President Dan Reed has hinted that future expansion could be coming, and that getting a franchise for each of the 30 NBA teams is a goal.

Is there a chance we will see NBA caliber players in Newark?

The D-League's website says 30% of players at the end of the 2011-2012 NBA season had at least some D-League experience, with 3 members of the Miami Heat roster graduating from the minor league. The Sixers have said there's a chance they could bring players down who are rehabbing injuries before they return to the NBA level, much as minor league baseball teams have done in the past. Jeremy Lin, of "Lin-sanity" fame from last season, spent time in the D-League before catching on at the NBA level. As part of the new NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, players with 3 years of service or less can be called up and down to the parent club an unlimited amount of times.

What could a Sevens roster look like?

Players selected in the 8 rounds of the NBA D-League Draft, which comes after the main NBA Draft. Players who have been cut by the Sixers would also be eligible for the Sevens, along with players assigned down by the club, general free agents, and even players who pass local tryouts.

What about coaches and referees?

The League says every NBA referee hired since 2002 has spent time honing their craft at the D-League level. In addition 40 NBA assistant and head coaches have spent time working in the NBADL.

What will ticket prices be?

Bleacher seats start at $9, with chairbacks going as high as $29 near center court. If you want courtside seats, that will cost you $125-$150 for the 87ers.